we know that things are tight these days. so we thought we'd put together a little list of things that we're doing to save cash, that could maybe save you some cash, too. here goes:

1. Go to the LIBRARY- Why buy books when you can borrow them? Here's a library locator to help you out. At most libraries you can also get movies!

2. Eat at home – This can save you some serious cash! Start by making this Panang Curry recipe of Josh's.

Panang Curry

2 Tbls Panang Curry paste (1 1/2 to 3 Tbls is normal range depending on heat)
6-10 Kaffir Lime leaves finely cut up with kitchen scissors (no wider than 1/16")
1 can Coconut Milk
1 1/2 Chicken Breast or Pork sliced thinly into strips no longer than 3", or veggies or tofu
1 of whole Green Beans, stemmed
1/2 C Thai Basil roughly chopped
2 Tbls Fish Sauce
2 Tbls sugar
1 Tbls Tamarind Paste (also called Concentrate)
3 cloves garlic minced

1. In a separate bowl, cover beans with boiling water, cover and let stand 4-5 minutes. Drain.


2. In 2 - 3 Tbls hot oil in wok, brown meat over high heat. Add minced garlic after the first stir. Continue cooking until done (3-5 mins). Remove to serving container.


3. Add 3 Tbls coconut milk to wok and heat over medium high heat for 1 minute. Add curry paste and lime leaves. Stir fry for 30- 60 seconds until fragrant.


4. Stir in remaining coconut milk and heat to boiling. Maintain gentle boil for 5 - 10 minutes until reduced in volume by about 25% or until it starts to slightly thicken.


5. Add meat back to pan. Add basil, fish sauce, tamarind paste, and sugar. Let simmer for about 10 minutes (no longer than 20 minutes)


Serve with rice

3. Bottle your own water and make your own coffee- This one is kind of a pain, but is pretty obviously beneficial.

4. Have a garage sale- Personally, I am definitely doing this. Offload your junk on unsuspecting folks.

5. Go veggie- If you can do three meatless days a week (without substituting fish), you could save $25 a week, which equals $100 a month, which equals $1,200 a year! That's a bunch of Tapes 'n Tapes tickets right there!!!!! Ha!!!

6. HAPPY HOUR- Everybody loves some cheap drinks and eats

7. Take the city BUS or ride your BIKE

8. UNPLUG your appliances- They steal your money even when you're not looking at or running them. They're evil like that.

9. FREE MUSEUMS - Also, going to free art gallery openings is always a good idea

10. CHEAP MUSIC! The wonderful people at insound.com gave us a coupon to pass on to you! You can get 15% off your order using the coupon tapesnsave15. The coupon is only good for the next two weeks, so get on it!

we know they're all pretty simple, but we're just trying to help out, ya know? that's what friends are for.